September 14, 2020
Philadelphia, PA (September 2020) – The Academy of Vocal Arts is excited to unveil details regarding their fall virtual season. With the safety of its Resident Artists, faculty, staff and audiences in mind, AVA has adjusted its offerings while still maintaining its focus on training singers. The Academy is committed to the well-being of the entire AVA community. While the fall performance season looks differently due to the pandemic, AVA is delighted to offer audiences the opportunity to get to know its Resident Artists in new ways, through online content such as interviews, lectures, performances, and alumni spotlights.
“As the world of opera continues to react and adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming clear that while nothing can replace a live performance, a virtual presence will likely be an integral part of our Resident Artists’ careers,” said AVA’s Vice President and General Manager Scott Guzielek. “These virtual offerings will provide this learning opportunity for the Resident Artists while at the same time providing our audiences with new way to experience AVA”
Patrons are encouraged to follow AVA on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to join their email list and actively visit their website as details emerge for upcoming performances.
AVA is also implementing a COVID Safety Plan for the safety and well-being of the entire AVA community. With this plan, major teaching studios will be equipped with plexiglass barriers to isolate the teacher from the singer. AVA will provide HEPA/UVC filters to circulate, filter, and sterilize the air in each studio, restroom, and practice room, and teaching studios will all have locks so that only the authorized teacher can access the room and control who enters. All studios will be provided with a station with hand sanitizers, wipes, and extra masks for teachers.
FALL VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Details regarding accessing each online performance will be shared soon.
Giargiari Bel Canto Competition – airing October 24, 2020 at 7:30 PM
AVA’s annual favorite vocal competition returns, from the comfort of your own home! AVA Master Vocal Coach Danielle Orlando is the competition’s music director and accompanist. Tickets are just $10 minimum, and AVA does encourage patrons to pay more if they are able to (Giargiari tickets at the Perelman Center are $50+). The recital will be streamed via YouTube. Performers, repertoire and additional details will be announced soon. Giargiari will be available to stream for 48 hours after the launch time. Tickets on sale September 15, 2020 on AVA’s website.
New Artists Recital – airing November 14, 2020
Russian Romances – December 12, 2020
Recital Series – dates to be announced soon
WRTI AVA BROADCASTS
Tune into WRTI 90.1 FM throughout the fall to hear Resident Artists on air:
November 14, 2020 – WRTI’s Opera Day, enjoy a selection of AVA highlights
November 21, 2020 – Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro (2019)
November 28, 2020 – Donizetti’s La favorite (2020)
Giargiari broadcast date TBD
Please note that AVA virtual performances and WRTI broadcasts are subject to change
2020/21 RESIDENT ARTISTS ROSTER (in voice order)
Aubry Ballarò, soprano
Yihan Duan, soprano
Loella Grahn, soprano
Joanna Latini, soprano
Emily Margevich, soprano
Kara Mulder, soprano
Renée Richardson, soprano
Ethel Trujillo, soprano
Alice Chung, mezzo-soprano
Monique Galvão, mezzo-soprano
Chelsea Laggan, mezzo-soprano
Pascale Spinney, mezzo-soprano
Anne Marie Stanley, mezzo-soprano
Zachary Rioux, tenor
Shawn Roth, tenor
Sahel Salam, tenor
Benjamin Dickerson, baritone
Daniel Gallegos, baritone
Kevin Godínez, baritone
Titus Muzi, baritone
Peter Barber, bass
Eric Delagrange, bass
Cody Müller, bass
Griffen Hogan Tracy, bass
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ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS (AVA)
The mission of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is to be the world’s premier institution for training young artists as international opera soloists. Through rigorous instruction and coaching, and by presentations of Resident Artists from around the world in concerts, oratorios, public programs and fully staged professional opera productions, AVA will train artists with the high potential for career success while enriching lives in Philadelphia and beyond. Gifted singers come from throughout the world to seek the exceptional guidance and training that AVA offers. Admission is determined by competitive annual auditions. AVA is distinguished by its reputation for high quality performances that are acclaimed by critics locally, nationally and internationally. Each year AVA Resident Artists are presented in four or five fully-staged opera productions accompanied by orchestra. Resident Artists are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers.
Press Contact: Camille Mola
AVA Phone: 215-735-1685
cmola@avaopera.org